The first bill, S4021, would prohibit New Jersey sports betting and casino operators from using fraudulent or deceptive ads. The bill would also preclude companies from reaching customers on self-exclusion lists or directly appealing to individuals under the legal betting age of 21.
The second bill, A5226, would prohibit sports betting partnerships at public institutions of higher education. This would prevent colleges and universities from entering into deals with sports betting operators to promote their products on campus.
Both bills were introduced by Sen. Joe Cryan (D-Union). Cryan said the bills are necessary to protect consumers from gambling addiction risks and ensure that gambling is not promoted to minors.
“These bills are about protecting the most vulnerable in our society,” Cryan said. “We need to make sure that gambling is not marketed to children and that people who are struggling with gambling addiction have the resources they need to get help.”
The bills have been referred to the Assembly’s Tourism and Gaming Committee. It is unclear whether the Legislature will pass the bills this session when it ends on June 30.
In addition to the two bills introduced by Cryan, there are some other gambling-related bills that the legislature is considering.
One bill would extend the deadline for the state to collect taxes from online gambling operators. Another bill would create a new state agency to regulate sports betting. And a third bill would allow the state to impose a tax on sports betting winnings.
The legislature will likely take up some of these gambling-related bills before the end of the session. However, it is unclear which bills will be passed and when they will take effect.
The bills to restrict gambling advertising and prohibit sports betting partnerships with colleges are a step in the right direction.
They will help protect consumers from gambling addiction risks and ensure that gambling is not promoted to minors.
The legislature must pass these bills and other gambling-related legislation that will help to keep New Jersey’s gambling industry safe and responsible.
